FDM Group awarded special honour for its support of Britain’s Reservists

Leading IT employer, FDM Group, has been awarded a Certificate of Support for its commitment to employing Britain’s Reservists.

The awards ceremony was hosted by South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, and the Ministry of Defence Campaign Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers (SaBRE) on board HMS Victory in Portsmouth. SaBRE was set up by the Ministry of Defence to educate and inform employers of the skills Reservists can bring to the workplace.

The event invited companies in the South East for a presentation of honours to those who have recognised the value Reservists can bring to their workforce.The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Dame Mary Fagan DCVO JP, and Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE were in attendance to award the selected companies.

Vice Admiral Woodcock said, “This has been a great opportunity for Defence to say thank you to those who employ our amazing Reserve Force personnel – we don’t always remember that behind a dedicated Reservist are their friends and families and also, very often, a highly supportive employer. We are proud to be able to recognise employers.”

Head of FDM’s Ex-Forces Programme Col (Retd) Stewart Sharman and Business Relationship Manager Capt (Retd) Stuart Thomas were in attendance to accept the award on behalf of FDM.

FDM CEO, Rod Flavell said, “We are delighted to be selected by SaBRE for this accolade on board HMS Victory. FDM recognises the skills the ex-Forces community can bring to our workforce, ranging from entry-level positions to senior project management roles, and it is our duty to ease their transition into the commercial world.”

FDM launched its dedicated Ex-Forces Programme earlier this year, offering ex-Forces personnel the opportunity to join its award-winning IT Consultant training programme. FDM provides personnel with professional IT training in a number of disciplines both business and technically focused, followed by commercial experience for at least two years, enabling a smooth transition into a corporate environment.

FDM has partnered with British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) and formally signed the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, further cementing our goal to support the employment of ex-Forces personnel.

The event comes at a time when Prince Charles has urged businesses to support ex-Servicemen and women in their civilian careers. At the recent Business in the Community Responsible Business Awards, the Prince of Wales said, “Loyalty, integrity, teamwork and the ability to work calmly and with discipline and good humour under intense pressure are qualities that any business must surely value highly.”